hydrocortisone

OTC hydrocortisone products are typically sold as creams and ointments; some formulations are also offered as lotions.

Common co-ingredients include aloe, vitamin E, oat (including "triple oat") extracts, shea butter, lactic acid, chamomile, and various added vitamins.

They target itch and inflammation from minor skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and rashes from poison ivy, oak, or sumac, as well as related dermatitis.

Directions commonly recommend applying the product up to three to four times daily (examples state ‘no more than 3–4 times daily’ or ‘use up to 3–4 times daily’).

Many items are labeled fragrance-free or 'no fragrance added' and dye-free; several also list paraben-free, phthalate-free or aluminum-free and formulations without common irritants.

Some products state itch relief in as little as five or ten minutes; others advertise longer effects such as 12-hour relief or 24-hour moisturization.